Principal Forward Deployed Autonomous Systems Engineer

Mach Industries; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental plan

Vision plan

Retirement savings

Paid time off

Equity participation

Job summary

Mach Industries in Huntington Beach, CA is seeking a Principal Forward Deployed Autonomous Systems Engineer to lead fielding, operation, and ongoing development of autonomous defense platforms. You will operate at the intersection of engineering, flight operations, product development, and customer engagement to ensure complex systems are deployed, operated, and scaled in real-world environments.

You will establish operating standards, assess readiness, advise leadership on deployment risk, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Experience operating, integrating, testing, or fielding unmanned/autonomous systems.
• Proven track record leading technical field operations and demonstrations.
• Strong understanding of complete system architectures and subsystem interactions.
• Advanced troubleshooting across mechanical, avionics, networking, and software domains.
• Experience determining operational readiness and giving go/no-go recommendations.
• Experience developing procedures, checklists, and training materials.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally for deployments.

Responsibilities

• Establish operating standards for autonomous vehicles and supporting systems.
• Determine vehicle and personnel readiness for deployment packages.
• Lead Flight Operations engagement with military customers and sponsors.
• Translate test and field feedback into engineering priorities and product improvements.
• Develop training programs and ensure consistent delivery of instruction.
• Lead the development and approval of operational procedures and maintenance practices.
• Mentor and develop other Forward Deployed Autonomous Systems Engineers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transition prototypes to repeatable products.
• Support mission planning, flight-readiness reviews, and post-mission analysis.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Field operations leadership

System architecture

Risk assessment

Technical troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in robotics, aerospace, electrical, mechanical engineering, CS or related STEM

Tools

PX4

ArduPilot

QGroundControl

Mission Planner

Linux

Git

Python

C++

Rust

Job description

Principal Forward Deployed Autonomous Systems Engineer

Huntington Beach, California, United States

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2023, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 350 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting‑edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

The Role

Mach Industries is seeking a Principal Forward Deployed Autonomous Systems Engineer (FDASE) to lead the fielding, operation, and continued development of autonomous defense platforms. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, flight operations, product development, and customer engagement. You will be responsible for ensuring that complex autonomous systems can be deployed, operated, maintained, and scaled successfully in demanding real-world environments.

As a Principal FDASE, you will establish operating standards, determine operational readiness, advise leadership on deployment risk, and translate field experience into actionable product improvements. You will lead customer engagements for Flight Operations, own internal and external training programs, and help transition emerging prototypes into repeatable, supportable products.

This is a hands‑on technical leadership role. You will be expected to understand complete system architectures, diagnose complex multidisciplinary problems, and remain directly engaged with aircraft, ground systems, personnel, and field operations. You will also lead and develop other Forward Deployed Autonomous Systems Engineers, setting the technical and operational standard for the team.

This is not primarily a pilot role. Success requires deep technical judgment, operational credibility, decisive leadership, and the ability to connect engineering decisions with deployment outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain operating standards for autonomous vehicles and their supporting systems
• Determine the operational readiness of vehicles, personnel, equipment, procedures, and deployment packages
• Own operational readiness for an assigned vehicle family, including stratospheric or high-performance autonomous platforms
• Lead Flight Operations engagement with military customers, government sponsors, ranges, and other external stakeholders
• Advise company leadership on deployment readiness, technical risk, personnel requirements, and operational constraints
• Drive product improvements by translating test, deployment, operator, and customer feedback into clear engineering priorities
• Partner with engineering and program teams to transition prototype systems into reliable, repeatable, and supportable products
• Develop operational concepts of employment, deployment models, and field-support strategies
• Own internal training programs and customer‑facing training materials
• Develop instructors and ensure training can be delivered consistently across the organization
• Lead the development and approval of operational procedures, checklists, maintenance practices, and readiness criteria
• Provide technical leadership during flight tests, demonstrations, deployments, and complex troubleshooting efforts
• Diagnose multidisciplinary issues involving mechanical systems, avionics, communications, networking, flight controls, payloads, and ground systems
• Lead or support international operations and foreign military engagements
• Manage, mentor, and develop Forward Deployed Autonomous Systems Engineers
• Establish expectations for technical proficiency, operational discipline, documentation, and field performance
• Collaborate across Flight Operations, Engineering, Flight Test, Manufacturing, Logistics, Programs, and Business Development
• Support mission planning, flight‑readiness reviews, test execution, and post‑mission analysis as required
• Ensure lessons learned from field operations are captured, communicated, and incorporated into products and procedures

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in robotics, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or another relevant STEM discipline; or equivalent hands‑on technical experience
• Extensive experience operating, integrating, testing, or fielding unmanned aircraft, autonomous systems, robotics, or similarly complex electromechanical systems
• Demonstrated experience leading technical field operations, deployments, flight‑test activities, or customer demonstrations
• Strong understanding of complete system architectures and subsystem interactions
• Advanced troubleshooting ability across several disciplines, including mechanical systems, avionics, radio‑frequency systems, networking, flight controls, and software
• Experience determining operational readiness and making risk‑informed go/no‑go recommendations
• Experience developing technical procedures, checklists, operating standards, training materials, or maintenance practices
• Experience training technical personnel and developing other instructors
• Demonstrated ability to translate operational findings into actionable product or engineering improvements
• Experience working directly with customers, government sponsors, military units, or test ranges
• Strong technical documentation and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and hold technical personnel accountable
• Ability to communicate technical risk clearly to engineering teams, customers, and company leadership
• Ability to travel frequently and lead multi‑day domestic and international deployments
• Ability to operate effectively in austere field environments and during high‑tempo test campaigns
• Ability to meet any security, export‑control, or customer‑access requirements associated with the role

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience transitioning an autonomous system from prototype development into a repeatable operational product
• Experience developing operational concepts of employment for unmanned or autonomous systems
• Experience supporting international military operations, foreign military demonstrations, or partner‑nation training
• Experience owning the operational readiness of a vehicle program or product family
• Experience managing or formally leading a team of field engineers, operators, or technicians
• Experience with stratospheric, long‑endurance, high‑speed, or other high‑performance autonomous vehicles
• Advanced experience with PX4, ArduPilot, QGroundControl, Mission Planner, or comparable flight‑control ecosystems
• Experience analyzing system logs and leading structured root‑cause investigations
• Experience with Linux, Git, Python, C++, Rust, Bash, or other relevant engineering tools
• Experience with tactical radios, MIMO or mesh networks, companion computers, embedded systems, sensors, or specialized test equipment
• Experience developing customer‑facing technical documentation and training curricula
• Experience advising senior leadership on operational readiness, deployment risk, and program priorities
• Active or previously held U.S. security clearance

Additional Requirements

• Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Principal Engineer

$180,000 - $210,000 USD

At Mach, we believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. It's a comprehensive package designed to reward the time, skills, and expertise you bring to our team. We are committed to offering competitive compensation that is equitable, transparent, and aligned with market trends.

Key Elements of Our Compensation Philosophy:

• Competitive Salaries: We continuously research market rates to ensure our salaries are competitive with those in our industry and geographic location.
• Performance‑Based Incentives: Our bonus structure is tied to both individual and company performance, creating a win‑win scenario that motivates our team members to excel.
• Equity Participation: We offer stock options or equity to employees, ensuring that you share in the success and growth of the company.
• Benefit Packages: Our benefits include healthcare, dental and vision plans, retirement savings, and paid time off, because we understand that your well‑being extends beyond the office.
• Professional Development: We allocate funds for continuing education, training, and career growth.
• Transparency: We are committed to openness about our compensation tiers and how decisions are made, ensuring trust and mutual respect.

By joining Mach, you’re not just accepting a job—you’re becoming a key part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your growth. Together, we aim to create a rewarding environment that sets the stage for long‑term success.

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.